Masdar institute sets Up 13-Member external advisory board

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it has established a 13-member External Advisory Board to evaluate current performance and help chart future growth strategy. The panel of independent experts is mandated to act as a sounding board on issues related to planning, development of research, new programs, evaluation of existing programs and other activities that will further facilitate Masdar Institute in achieving its objectives. It will offer advice and provide recommendations on a broad range of issues relevant to research activities, curriculum development, academic standards and faculty development. Furthermore, the External Advisory Board will produce a report at the end of their annual meetings that will be considered by the Executive Council on the Board of Trustees to formulate action plans. Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: "Globally, external advisory boards help universities establish links with the industry and fine-tune their academic offerings by making them more responsive to market needs. With the support of the UAE's leadership, Masdar Institute has consistently registered milestones and the setting up of the External Advisory Board will further incentivize our growth. We foresee a significantly more enhanced all-round performance in the coming years." The team of officials headed by Dr. Steve Kang, was recently welcomed at the campus by Dr. Moavenzadeh for a first such review and a campus tour. Following the visit, the 13-member group offered its recommendations while acknowledging Masdar Institute's overall growth achieved since its inception. Dr. Kang, President, Korea Advanced Institute of Science '&' Technology, and Chairman, External Advisory Board, said: "Within a short span of four years since it was established, Masdar Institute has made a substantial impact in the clean energy and advance technologies areas through research collaborations and academic advancements. Like every institution, tweaking strategies and planning effectively for the future will further ensure success. We have offered our recommendations and we hope to see Masdar Institute accomplish even more milestones in the coming years. Dr Youssef Shatilla, Dean of Academic Programs, Masdar Institute, said: "The visit by the External Advisory Board provided the faculty members an opportunity to present the progress achieved so far by various programs. We express our gratitude to the panel members and hope the coming years will witness performance that far outweighs the previous years." Advisory boards play an instrumental role in shaping the strategies of an academic institution, helping them to grow effectively. Such independent bodies also help foster links that promote research and development and facilitate scientific innovations.